Page 41 of Free to Live
“You all give everything you have to give,” Drever goes on.
“Some of you give everything. That’s what we’re here for today,” Bianco says.
You could hear a pin drop in the crowd.
“Whether it’s because our brothers and sisters were taken out on the job or because of the destruction they’ve had to deal with day after day, it doesn’t matter. They’re still gone. And we still have to go on without them,” Drever says grimly.
“And so do their loved ones. What you’re doing today makes the everyday things a little easier. Like doctor bills.”
“School clothes.”
“College funds.”
“Birthday parties.”
“And groceries,” they conclude together.
Chief Bianco goes on. “I’m proud to walk the line with each and every one of you. I’m proud to call all of you family. This includes our brothers and sisters in blue.” He holds out a hand and shakes Chief Drever’s.
A huge roar goes up from the crowd. Shouts of “Chief! Chief! Chief!” are heard from the members of the CPD and CFD over the crowd. I capture it all.
Even as I have tears forming in my eyes again.
“So, it’s with pleasure we turn the race back over to Cassidy and another team we’re proud to stand beside so we can join our own at the start line,” Chief Drever concludes warmly.
“We’d like to thank them in advance for everything they’ve done to make today happen,” Chief Bianco leans in to add.
My sister flushes as she takes the mic back. “Thank you both. Let’s give one more shout-out to our chiefs and to both the CPD and CFD for doing everything they do to make certain we are safe and secure in and around Collyer!”
The crowd goes wild as the chiefs make their way off the dais.
“Okay, runners. Here’s how it’s going to work. All CPD and CFD personnel are in front. Because this race is honoring them today, we’re giving them a two-minute head start.” Cassidy pauses. “That and because they’re insane to be on the course in full gear. Can one of you explain that?” Someone goes to call out, but Cassidy waves them off. “Save your breath, Officer Brady. You’re going to need it.”
Everyone laughs good-naturedly at Justin Brady, one of CFD’s extraordinarily good-looking fireman.
“Two minutes after I sound the horn, please allow our wheelchair racers to go next. Then a minute after, our runners. Finally, the last time I sound the horn, all walkers are welcome. Sound good?” Cassidy waits for the cheering to end before saying, “Then CPD and CFD, you have thirty seconds.” She looks at her watch. “Who’s ready for the pancake breakfast at The Coffee Shop when this is over?”
The crowd goes wild again.
“I don’t know about you, but running sure gets me hungry. I just hope the firemen running in full gear get to shower and change.” I burst out laughing at my sister’s audacity. “Runners, are you ready?”
The blare of the horn signals their start.
I’m less than five seconds behind them, taking a different path along a trail through the woods so I can get to the 2.1-mile mark and set up before any of our first responders get there.
I ignore the jumbled thoughts vying for space in my head as I time my way to my location so I can be sure to get back in time for the big reveal at the finish line. Because my thoughts about how good Joe Bianco looked this morning can lead to nowhere good.
And I know it.
18
Joseph
“How are you doing there, buddy?” Brett pants next to me. Both of us are profusely sweating as we come up on mile two.
“I’m praying to God there’s a water stop soon,” I gasp. I usually can run five miles easily, but in this gear? In these boots? I’ll be lucky if I manage to avoid blisters.
“Didn’t you study the race map?” He shoots ahead.
